Recognizing that schools serve a key role in the integration of refugee students and their families into American society, the federal Office of Refugee Resettlement (ORR) created the Refugee School Impact Grant (RSIG) in 1998.  The purpose of the grant is to provide support to local school systems that are affected by significant numbers of refugee children.  

In 2021, MCRC was awarded this grant to assist refugee children within Erie County. Through this program, MCRC aims to improve students’ English language proficiency while strencgthening their skills in math, science and social studies. Progress in English language development will be monitored on an ongoing basis to ensure continuous improvement. 

The program operates after school hours, porvided students with a structured learning environment beyond the regular school day. To ensure accessibility, MCRC provides transportation from school to the program location and then back home. 

To support these goals, the program will offer: 

• English as a Second Language (ESL) instruction
• Reading, writing, and conversation practice
• Arts, crafts and educational games
• Lessons on American culture and civics
• Guest speakers and interactive workshops
• Achievement and participation inventives 
• Firled trips to explore the local community
• Social-emotional learning and interpersonal skills development

• After-school programs that focus on helping students understand and complete assignments 
• After-school/summer programs that support remedial work or promote school readiness 
• Programs that encourage high school completion and full participation in school activities 
• Initiatives to promote high school completion and engagement in school activities
• Enhanced family/parental engagement activities 

Through these initiatives, MCRC remains committed to fostering academic success and social integration for refugee students and their families.

Program Contact: 

Tara Hilton-Ditzel, RSIG Coordinator

thilton@mcrcerie.org

or

Laura Reeck, Refugee Services Program Director

lreeck@mcrcerie.org